emphasizes local conditions and culture. . We understand local politics, so we've got the only permit to overnight and/or camp in the Bay, allowing you to visit sites far from the pier rarely seen by outsiders.  Although Ha Long is more than 1,000 islands, we've been researching the Bay since 1992, so you see most of the best sites while you fall into the quiet rhythm of Ha Long's spirit.

Kayaking inside limestone karsts is one of our specialties.  Aside from the comforts and permits, escort boats allow you to efficiently experience the remote geology and untouched culture harbored within Ha Long's scattered limestone islands.  With some tranquil sunsets and some Sunrises on the water, your should have good chances of wildlife sightings, and the eerie romance of the outer islands is unforgettable.

The first day takes you to Hang Toi, our overnighter site where you can adjust to the Bay's drama and ambiance.  The next morning you motor further into the endless islands and spend the next few days circumnavigating the Bay.  Each itinerary is built around the tides, but there are virtually unlimited options, and the highly technical outer islands’ Phong’s are exceptional.

Throughout your trip, you explore complicated rock gardens; paddle long dark sea caves and visits cliff-lined inland lagoons. ("Phong's in Vietnamese, Hong's in Thailand.)  You will learn about stalactites and stalagmites, coral gardens, wildlife and Ha Long's exceptional geology with English-speaking guides trained in cave kayaking and Ha Long's Natural History.  In most caves, staff does the paddling.  However, some long-range caves are large enough that cave self-paddling is sometimes an option.

SeaCanoe's self-designed ultra-tough inflatable kayaks allow you to explore deep into small caves.  Silent and smooth, you won't disturb bat colonies, and if you are lucky, you might see birds, primates, reptiles, fish and coral closer than you ever dreamed possible.  Many species we see were considered rare or extinct in this habitat.  (Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but sunrise and sunset are the best times.)

Day One –
- 09.00 Depart your hotel in Hanoi.
-1200  Meet at Ha Long and eat lunch at restaurant in Halong Bay.
-1300  Depart Ha Long pier
-1500  Arrive Hang Toi and explore the Bay by kayak,
-1800  Return to escort boat
-1900  Seafood dinner
-2000  Optional night paddle
-2200  Return to escort boat and sleep

Day Two –
-0530  Sunrise, optional paddle
-0700 Depart Haeng Toi, breakfast underway
-0830  Arrive Second island (selected according to the tides),
Explore more caves and Phong’s
-1100  Depart for Ha Long City, lunch underway
-1200  Arrive at the pier.
- 1230 Depart to Hanoi.
- Return to your hotel in Hanoi.